I have also received research support and stipend from the National Science Foundation (NSF) Graduate Fellowship (supporting research in the Philippines) and the NSF Integrative Graduate Education & Research Training (IGERT) program at the Center for Marine Biodiversity & Conservation at SIO (supporting research internships in Peru, the Philippines, and Madagascar). The Duff Fellowship and the San Diego Diversity fellowship supported my stipend during my first two years, as well.

This research is relatively low-budget, “muddy boots” work, and I strive to ensure that this funding yields quality information that contributes to conservation. It has allowed me to explore my research ideas independently, contributing significantly to my development as a field researcher. It has also helped me support local field assistants, who not only have a source of income through my fieldwork, but also are trained in the various research methods that I use. Future community outreach and education efforts will also be supported by my current funds.